Nishagandhi Festival launch: A Thursday night of dazzling talent

Monday, February 12, 2024

The Nishagandhi Dance Festival, hosted by Kerala Tourism at the Kanakakunnu Palace grounds, kicks off this Thursday for a week-long celebration. This annual event, renowned for its free admission, will feature a lineup of India’s finest classical dancers, including both celebrated and emerging talents. Attendees will be treated to a variety of Indian classical dance forms, showcasing the latest trends and providing a platform for new artists to share their innovative work with a distinguished audience. The festival boasts a rich program, highlighting artists from across India and celebrating the diverse traditions of classical dance.

The opening ceremony is scheduled for 6 pm, followed by a unique Mohiniyattam performance by Kerala Kalamandalam Major Troupe at 6:30 pm. The evening will continue with performances from top dancers, including Bharatanatyam by Arupa Lahiry and a Kathak showcase by the National Kathak Kendra Group, both based in New Delhi.

The following days will see a series of performances starting at 6 pm, featuring Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Kathak, Mohiniyattam, and Kuchipudi by accomplished dancers like Pritam Das, Arushi Mudgal, Manju V Nair, Sandhya Venkiteshwaran, and many others. Notably, the festival will also present Padma Shri awardees Geeta Chandran in Bharatanatyam and Guru V Jayarama Rao in Kuchipudi, among others.

The event will culminate on February 21 with Sattriya by Madhusmita Bora and Prerona Bhuyan, Bharatanatyam by Padma Shri Malavika Sarukkai, and Manipuri by Dr Sinam Basu Singh and Group. Each day, from February 15 to 21, will conclude with a Kathakali Melam, showcasing the prowess of leading Kathakali performers in a tribute to Kerala’s traditional dance-drama heritage.

“Kerala has a great tradition of celebrating cultural and ethnic diversity,” Tourism and Public
Works Minister PA Mohammed Riyas said.
“Celebrations such as Nishagandhi Dance Festival form a part of State Tourism’s tenacious
efforts to keep the country’s diversity in arts intact.”

« Back to Page

• Yale Peabody Museum’s revamp: A beacon for U.S. tourism enhancement

• Experience musical magic: Soul Konnect live at Phoenix Mall of Asia